Description

Creamy Smothered Chicken uses a searing and gentle simmering technique to create tender chicken with a velvety, flavorful sauce. The fond from searing adds incredible depth, while cream and butter ensure richness and perfect texture.

Ingredients

Scale

6 chicken thighs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 large yellow onion

4 garlic cloves

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 teaspoons fresh thyme

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, shaking off excess.

2. Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

3. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and chopped onion; cook 4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic; cook 30 seconds.

4. Sprinkle in 2 tbsp remaining flour; cook 1 minute while stirring.

5. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from pan. Bring to simmer while whisking; sauce will thicken.

6. Stir in heavy cream, thyme, and paprika. Return chicken to skillet, nestling into sauce.

7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20 minutes. Uncover and simmer 5 more minutes to thicken sauce. Adjust seasoning before serving.

Notes

Check chicken temperature; 165°F ensures doneness.

Do not overcrowd pan when searing.

Gradually add broth while whisking to prevent lumps.

Finish with cold butter off heat for shine.

Leftovers store 4 days refrigerated; reheat gently with splash of broth.

Freeze up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dinner, Main Course, Chicken
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
Calories: 485
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 420 mg
Fat: 32 g
Saturated Fat: 16 g
Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 195 mg